I came from a country that has no trains. Therefore, I always wondered what it’s like to see a train for the first time; as a teenager going over The Manhattan Bridge. Would the train be blue or green? Would I ride the train just starring through the window admiring the view? Or would I just be looking at the train as it pulled into the train station.
The first time I fell in love with trains is when I visited The Manhattan Bridge. The view was amazing and the trains passing by was even better. I was in Dumbo for the first time located at Washington Street and Water Street. However, I noticed the overlapping immediately. People were in the street taking pictures, admiring the location, families passing by with laughter. Two wedded couples waiting for the train to complete the bridge to take pictures that they may reflect on in the next 30 years. Nevertheless, in front of me the street was busy, it was a Friday night around 7:00pm. Cars are busy rushing to get by on its narrow street. Some people are also in a hurry to get to their destination. A few minutes afterwards, a screeching sound is approaching as I get totally excited. I immediately turned around to see the train on The Manhattan Bridge. As this shiny long snake like silver train pass by. Just as that occurred a quote from Charles McGrath in the passage, “A Literary Visitor Strolls in From the Airport,” came into existence. It states, “…it would take him through parts of the city that most people never noticed while driving in a car: an experience that Mr. Self…believes has imposed a “windscreen- based virtuality” …” I could relate to this because as I stood admiring the peaceful atmosphere, while the people in the cars limited their opportunities to capture the beautiful experience because they could not focus on it. They had to focus on the traffic ahead.
Then the experience changed as I rode the shiny long snake like silver train; well that’s what I thought. I took the C train to West 4th and caught the B train. In the process of waiting to be enlightened, I sat down and began to observe. It was a long day after work and school. People are on the train sleeping, listening to music, some are standing, reading the paper or a magazine; and some people are starring at each other and having a conversation. As I began to wonder if I boarded the correct train. Instantly, the train went over the bridge it was the most splendid thing I’ve ever seen. I began smiling so wide my cheeks hurt and I became Joker’s sister. I saw the most fascinating graffiti in shades of black, green, white, blue, and yellow. The most appealing buildings, in red, brown, and blue but the most beautiful one was the glass building. As the sun reflected on it. Down below were the most stunning lights. The view was like viewing New York City in an airplane when it’s about to land. I saw the magnificent blue waters with its rippling effect as the train go across The Manhattan Bridge. The boats cruised across the water as the clouds looked violet. The sun began to set as the sun was about to take a big splash as it stopped to wave good-bye as the train kept moving forward. As I was rudely interrupted by the cyclist speeding across the bridge. I said to myself, I would not be able to walk across the bridge because my knees will be buckled to one spot. The train kept moving quickly and my eyes quickly try to locate things. Cars waiting in traffic with beaming scarlet red lights, as they moved like snails. The train began to slow down, as I looked through the other window the Q train was directly across. I felt at peace, although I wish the ride was longer, so my eyes could capture more moments. As I heard, “this is DeKalb Ave transfer for the Q, R, D, and N train.” Still in the moment I heard a whisper in my ear from McGrath saying, “The city is flowing out to embrace us…” A connection was made because a train ride connected me with my surroundings and a capturing moment I’ll never forget.
Some similarities of being on the bridge and in Dumbo are: the peaceful atmosphere, the busy streets, and busy people. The atmosphere was peaceful which clears your mind and gives you a scene of peace. The busy streets showing determination, and the busy people showing independence. Some differences are the water, and the sunset. The water represents cleanliness, life and freedom because of its open space and its constant movement. Finally, the sunset which means we have come to the end of our day where we can take a break of life’s beauty and mystery.
Therefore, encountering the trains for the first time as a teenager was such a beautiful experience. From the viewing of the shiny long snake like silver train, to the day’s graceful sunset. Acknowledging that the world or even the city you may live has great activities and discoveries waiting for you to explore them. Despite of its overlapping, these activities and discoveries are waiting for you to enjoy it and the happiness it may bring to you.
   
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